recovering Traeger owner

[rmueller95]

Hi guys, My first experience to the pellet grill world was not long ago with a Traeger Elite. Unfortunately our short 3 month relationship was quite dysfunctional. After 3 controllers replaced in 3 months, I spent more time awaiting new parts than I did grilling. It was quite the lemon and a frustrating experience. Obviously I'd like to avoid that experience moving forward.

With that said, I've got my sites on either a Green Mountain Danielle Boone or a Camp Chef Smoke Pro DLX (both less than $700). I'm leaning towards the Camp Chef but the 1 year warranty bugs me. Any thoughts or recommendations are appreciated.

[TMB]

For the price Rec Tec is hard to beat.  Six year warranty on the 680 model is one of the best out there

I know it's a little higher price then you want to spend but it's well worth every cent

[teesquare]

Welcome!

Do you want advice toward a really good, solid, dependable  pellet grill, or a cheap one? Not being a smart alec - but trying to be honest, and save you further frustration. Frustration = money and lost time.

Stick to quality brands.... And when I say that I mean MAK, Memphis, Rec Tec,  Blazin' Iron Works, and perhaps a couple of others I am overlooking here.

Plan on spending around $1000 or more if possible in order to get get something that is make of heavier metal than the ones you mentioned, have really dependable controllers- and have a much longer warranty - and most importantly... one that has a reputation of great customer support.

Look, ANY pellet grill out there will usually..."work".... But you have experienced the "trying to save a dollar blues" . I am a founding member of that fraternity . BUT - it just does not pay to try and go cheap - and expect reliability, and quality support. Companies cannot make it work - and make a profit.

[smokeasaurus]

The Rec Tec at a grand with same as cash financing still available is a great way to own a quality pellet grill.

I did a full review on Camp Chef when their model came out 4 years ago. It is a solid performer but sits squarely in the Traeger/Green Mountain/Pit Boss camp.

The Rec Tec has stainless steel in all the right places. Large capacity. Great controller. 40 lb rear hopper with a short throw auger......and it just looks good with those big old stainless bull horns.

If money is no object and you only want to cry once, buy a Mak and have it for life................heck a Mak one star is "only" 600 more than a Rec Tec but you are getting the best pellet grill in the industry..............

[tomcrete1]

Welcome, sorry about your bad luck with the Traeger, I did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on the Rec Tec mini and I don't regret it. Have known someone who bought the the Green Mountian and after a couple months and several replacement controllers he sold it and replaced with the Rec Tec and loves it. You'll get a lot of good advice here 

[mikeharold]

I just recently ventured into the pellet grill world and started my research. When the dust settled I wound up with a MAK 1 star for a few reasons and have to say that I couldn't be happier! Not only with the quality and the customer service I have received thus far, but the food has actually been better than I anticipated!

[Pappymn]

I just recently ventured into the pellet grill world and started my research. When the dust settled I wound up with a MAK 1 star for a few reasons and have to say that I couldn't be happier! Not only with the quality and the customer service I have received thus far, but the food has actually been better than I anticipated!

Mak is a great American business. You made a great choice.

[Dannio]

I'm a noob, and just received my Rec Tec in October. I e-mailed Rec Tec to suggest changing the type of machine screws they used on the grill I received because it was hard to get a bite with a screwdriver to tighten. I got a return e-mail and a voice message the next day! Turns out, they went from hex heads to Philips heads, and were in the process of updating the instructions to put the screw head on the inside of the Grill and the nut on the outside, under the left hand controller shelf. I let him know that will make that part of assembly much easier. So, that's the customer service aspect of the company. The hardware is outstanding! The food that comes off it is great, and the Grill looks fantastic while sitting there doing its thing.

Hope this helps, and good on you for reaching out to get owners' perspectives; it's always better to learn from those who have already walked that path...